North-East Italy Road Trip

Your north-east Italy road-trip itinerary begins (and ends) in the fantastic city of Venice, a sinking city famously known for its islands and canals, and bursting with class, history and style.

Between the marble palaces and historic buildings showcasing Venetian architecture, you’ll find art museums, busy bacari (bars) and romantic restaurants to keep you entertained for the three days you’ll spend here.

The Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs are two of Venice’s must-see landmarks. The first is an incredibly ornate palace; the latter is a historic monument and one of the most photographed buildings in the city.

Afterwards, hop in a gondola and explore the canals at your leisure. If you need a break from the bustling cobbled streets and busy waterways, head for the Lido, a quiet island home to an idyllic sandy beach.

Continue your north-east Italy road trip further west to the smaller, lesser-known city of Verona, a town nestled on the Adige River and famous for its ties to William Shakespeare.

This medieval town makes a great road trip stop and is home to several quaint cafés, cultural museums and green spaces where you can enjoy a bit of adventure.

Once you’ve parked the campervan, head straight to Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s largest square and the perfect starting point for exploring the city. From here you can climb the 12th-century Torre dei Lamberti for fantastic views over Verona, go on a food and wine tour, or hire a bike and explore on two wheels.

If you’ve got a spare afternoon, continue your road trip north-west out of the city to Lake Garda for a change of scenery.

Your north-east Italy road trip continues south into the Emilia-Romagna region to visit the medieval town of Bologna. Home to the oldest university in the western world, iconic red terracotta roofs and a rich food scene, this little town gives you the chance to soak up authentic Italy.

When you’re not climbing medieval towers, you’ll likely be sampling cured meats and fine cheese at the market.

No road trip to Bologna is complete without enjoying some of the region’s finest products first-hand, and the best way to do so is to join a food tour.

Get ready to visit local markets to shop for and sample fresh produce or watch pasta being made first-hand. After, head to Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s town square, and pay a visit to the 16th-century Neptune Fountain.

End your north-east Italy road trip in the small city of Ferrara, a real hidden gem of northern Italy and the perfect destination for a campervan itinerary.

Home to Renaissance buildings, several art galleries and a 14th-century castle to boot, this little town is a culture vulture’s dream. There’s also an authentic feel to Ferrara, like you’ve escaped the crowds and stepped into everyday life in Italy.

The Ferrara Botanical Gardens, the Museum of Archaeology and Palazzo Schifanoia should all be on your Ferrara to-do list. Make sure you swing by L’Emporio della Piazza café for an old-school espresso too.

Spend day two here visiting Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del Po, a wetland nature reserve located en route back to Venice. The park is filled with a variety of flora and fauna and is ideal for an action-packed day of walking, boating and cycling.